Juliette Gréco (1927-2020) was a French singer and actress who became the defining face of post-war Saint-Germain-des-Prés, moving in the existentialist circles of Sartre and de Beauvoir before launching a singing career in 1949. Over six decades she interpreted texts by Jacques Prévert, Boris Vian, Serge Gainsbourg and Jacques Brel, earning her a place as one of the great figures of French chanson. She was also a film actress, appearing in Hollywood productions alongside Tyrone Power and Orson Welles, and held the rank of Commander in the Legion of Honour.
On 23 September 2023, the third anniversary of her death, Radio Freedom 2 broadcast a dedicated tribute programme celebrating her career.
A theatrical tribute show, "Un petit air de Juliette Gréco", performed by Annadré Vanier, ran at the Théâtre de la Contrescarpe in Paris.
Dior's Maria Grazia Chiuri paid tribute to Gréco in the Fall/Winter 2023-2024 haute couture collection.
A square named "Place Juliette Gréco" was inaugurated beside the Church of Saint-Germain-des-Prés in Paris, one year after her death.
Juliette Gréco died on 23 September 2020 at her home in Ramatuelle, near Saint-Tropez, aged 93.
